Murder in the Title by Simon Brett Read Free Book Online Page A

Hall for rehearsals. Caretaker told us weeks ago the Badminton Club wanted to book it, but he’d hold it for us so long as he got written confirmation. Which he didn’t get – and guess who should have done it?’ He sighed. ‘So now we’ll have to get somewhere else as of the week after next, and that’s going to cost us more, and once again the budgeting all goes up the spout and . . . Still, I shouldn’t burden you with my problems.’
    â€˜No.’ Then Charles volunteered, ‘I rather assume that I have problems of my own.’
    â€˜Yes. So you know why I’ve asked you to come here.’
    Oh God. The interview was beginning to sound like something out of a Billy Bunter school story. Charles wondered whether he should have stuffed a newspaper down the back of his trousers.
    Donald Mason looked at his out-tray. Seeing Tony Wensleigh’s note, he casually picked it up, folded it and put it in his inside pocket. No need to advertise the Artistic Director’s lapses. He then picked up the next piece of paper from the tray. ‘I’ve had a report from the Stage Manager about your behaviour during last night’s performance.’
    â€˜Yes.’
    â€˜You were late for the “half”, and then, when it came to the moment – and I use the word advisedly – of your performance, you did not play your part as rehearsed, and the general opinion seems to have been that you were . . .’
    Charles finished the sentence for him. ‘Smashed out of my mind.’
    â€˜Yes.’ The General Manager paused. ‘A lot of people would regard such behaviour as grounds for dismissal.’
    â€˜Yes.’
    â€˜I’ve talked to Tony about it, and he says there’s no question about it – you should go.’
    â€˜Yes.’
    â€˜You’re just contracted for the one show?’
    â€˜That’s right.’ Oh, for God’s sake, get on with it. ‘And my role is hardly onerous. It won’t be difficult to get someone else rehearsed up to take over.’
    â€˜No.’
    Oh, get on with it. What else is there to say? But Donald seemed hesitant. It was unlikely that someone with his abrasive manner would have difficulty in sacking an actor, but maybe he was finding it awkward. Charles decided to help him out.
    â€˜Obviously I’m sorry for the trouble I caused, but I fully understand that you have no alternative but to show me out and –’
    â€˜Oh, I wouldn’t say that.’
    Donald Mason’s words were so unexpected that Charles gaped at him.
    â€˜No, Charles, there are alternatives.’ Then, with surprising gentleness, the General Manager continued, ‘People usually have a reason for getting drunk. What is it – domestic problems?’
    â€˜Well . . .’
    â€˜Woman?’
    For a second Charles felt tempted to spill it all out, to succumb to pathos, to plead for sympathy. But, hell, no. He couldn’t define the situation with Frances to himself, let alone spell it out to a stranger. ‘No, I just got drunk. I sometimes go on these benders. I know it’s unprofessional and stupid, but . . .’ He shrugged.
    â€˜Hmm. My inclination, Charles, is always to give people a second chance.’ This again seemed inconsistent with Donald Mason’s brusque image. ‘If you want to stay, I’m prepared to ignore Tony’s opinion and let you. What do you say?’
    Charles felt embarrassingly emotional. ‘Well, I . . . er . . .’
    â€˜I mean I’m sure it’s not the sort of thing that’s going to happen again.’
    This was once more back to the headmaster’s study. I’m going to give you one more chance, Paris, and I’m going to trust you, because in my experience most chaps respond to trust.
    â€˜So tell me, do you want to stay in the show?’
    â€˜Well, yes, I would be very grateful if . . .’ Mumble, mumble, grovel,